When you are using a wire crimping machine for the first time or are starting a new manufacturing process, you are going to want to make sure that you have the right crimp terminal. The crimp terminal is the part of the machine that determines the size of the crimp and what it looks like. There are a large number of different options with regards to choosing a crimp terminal and not all of them will work for your project. To make sure that your manufacturing process goes smoothly, follow these steps to choose the correct crimp terminal.    

1. Know the Size and Material of the Wire

You need to make sure that you have marked down the size of the wire that you are going to be crimping, as well as what it is made of in order to ensure that the crimp fits correctly and is strong enough to bend the wire.

2. Know Your Machine

Contact the manufacturer of your crimping machine and ask what type it is, or check your manufacturers guide. This will let you know what size of crimp that you need. If you have a crimp machine with a threaded fastener, then you can just check the bolt size indicated in the manufacturers guide and choose a crimp based on this information. If your machine does not have a threaded fastener, then you will have to talk to the manufacturer about the size of the crimp terminal that the recommend. If you don't know your machine, your terminal will be too loose and won't be able to get a strong crimp.

3. Know the Quality

Before you choose a crimp terminal, check online to see what brands your manufacturer recommends. The manufacturer of the crimping machine will know which brands will allow the machine to work well. They will be invested in making sure that their machine works well and will therefore recommend a high quality brand. This allows you to feel confident knowing that you are getting the best possible crimp terminal for your machine.

4. Know the Plating

Finally, look at the plating of any terminal that you are considering. The plating will keep your crimp terminal from rusting out over time and becoming useless. The cheapest form of plating is tin, and the more expensive plating options include gold and silver. Check what moisture level the plating protects against and compare it to the moisture levels where you plan to store the crimping machine. Make sure that the protection will be enough.

For more information, talk to a company that specializes in wire crimping machines.